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4:00 - REGULAR MEETING ORDER OF BUSINESS 1. Call to Order Chairman Vaughns called the meeting to order at 4:01 p.m. 2. Roll Call Present:
3. Announcement of prohibition of sound producing devices during the meeting. Chairman Vaughns announced that the ringing of and use of cell phones, pagers and similar sound-producing electronic devices are prohibited at the meeting. She advised that any person responsible for the ringing or use of a cell phone, pager, or other similar sound-producing electronic devices might be removed from the meeting. 4. Approval of Minutes On motion to approve the minutes of the April 5, 2005 Regular Meeting: unanimously approved (McCray-absent). 5. Communications None. 6. Introduction of New or Unfinished Business by Board Members None. 7. Executive Director’s Report -Quarterly EEO Report -Legislative Activities -Ongoing Activities Executive Director Burns stated that he was pleased to introduce Bill Lieberman, the new Deputy General Manager, External Affairs, as the newest member of the MTA management team. Mr. Lieberman is a 30-year planning veteran whose experience includes 20 years of integrated transit planning expertise. For nearly 17 years, he served as Director of Planning and Operations for the Metropolitan Transit Development Board in San Diego. Chairman Vaughns stated that the Board was glad to have Mr. Lieberman on board and is looking forward to great things from him. Exec. Director Burns introduced a new marketing campaign in partnership with the San Francisco Airport (SFO) in which both organizations were offering their respective ad space to each other at no cost. In June, Muni ads will be posted at the airport and SFO ads will be running concurrently on MTA vehicles. The two campaigns will cross-promote each other and are targeted toward the summer tourist market as well as local residents. Ads will run through August 2005. This will be the first partnership initiated by the MTA to maximize ad space and market the system with little or no cost. On Saturday, April 9, 2005, the Lorraine Hansberry Theatre offered MTA employees a night at the theater at a discounted price. The evening was a huge success and there was a large showing of support from MTA employees. Exec. Director Burns thanked Barbara Conway for continuing to facilitate this partnership. Director McCray arrived at the meeting. Exec. Director Burns stated that, consistent with the Board’s recommendations on this year’s budget, the MTA’s focus has been in supporting state and federal measures that enhance transportation funding. Assembly Bill 1208, introduced by Assemblyman Yee imposes a vehicle registration fee on San Francisco vehicles for maintenance, operation and construction of local streets and roads. Senate Bill 1020 by State Senator Migden authorizes any county Board of Supervisors to put a measure on the local ballot to double the state ¼ cent sales tax. If approved by voters, this measure could generate an additional $30 million per year for the MTA’s operating budget. The MTA has indicated support for this measure, which is sponsored by the California Transit Association and will continue to engage in advocacy on this bill. The last local option revenue measure is Assembly Bill 799 by Assemblyman Mark Leno. Upon voter approval, AB799 would allow San Francisco to restore the Vehicle License Fees to pre-1998 levels, which would provide $60 million to the City’s general fund. This bill would benefit all city departments. The debate continues on how to fund the cost increases on the Bay Bridge, with some proposals wrapping the cost into a larger statewide funding proposal. Efforts continue to finalize reauthorization of TEA-21, a long overdue multi-year transportation bill. The House has completed action on its bill, and final Senate action is pending in early May. Thanks to House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, the House bill includes every project request made by the MTA, including Third Street LRT-Central Subway, Islais Creek Maintenance Facility, NextBus/AVL system implementation, Van Ness Corridor SFgo implementation and Geary BRT. Action is not yet underway on this year’s FY2006 Transportation Appropriations bill but all of the MTA’s requests have been submitted for funding consideration. At the request of the Federal Transit Administration, San Francisco is hosting this year’s annual New Starts Roundtable, which will be held on May 4-6. This forum provides project sponsors with an opportunity to get a detailed update on the latest on changes in the New Starts planning process. New Starts funds will be the primary fund source for the Third St.-Central Subway project. At last meeting, testimony was given by Barry Taranto regarding insufficient notice for a public hearing on a Hilton Hotel taxi zone. Upon investigation, it was discovered that this item was posted in an incorrect location on the DPT website. Due to the mistake in posting, the item will be re-heard on May 6. Exec. Director Burns advised the Board that staff had extended the date for accepting bids for the Metro East Contract. The original bid due date was April 28, 2005 however the bid date has been extended to May 18 in an attempt to encourage as much competition as possible. Yesterday, the MTA began accepting applications for the position of car cleaner. Over 4,500 applications were handed out. The number of car cleaners that will be hired will depend upon the outcome of the budget. Chairman Vaughns acknowledged and thanked the legislative staff and Kate Breen in particular for their excellent work on behalf of the MTA. Vernon Crawley, Manager, EEO Division presented the quarterly EEO report. Director Black suggested that staff train union members to provide EEO training to employees. 8. Citizen’s Advisory Council Report Daniel Murphy, Chairman, CAC, presented the CAC report and recommendations. He acknowledged three other members of the CAC who were present, Dorris Vincent, Bruce Oka and Norm Rolfe. The CAC will be presenting in writing their recommendations regarding service adjustments, DPT and Muni Service Standards. 9. Public Comment Ellen Murray stated that she wondered why the $7 million for unfilled service for FY05 was referred to as a debt. Over the last year, Muni had saved $2.5 to 3 million because of operator furloughs and the lack of a general sign up. She wondered if the $2.5 million recently given to Muni for lifeline transportation program would be used to offset service cuts and reduce layoffs. She wished that Mr. Burns would clarify that a fiscal emergency referred only to not having to do an environmental review. It doesn’t mean the Agency can ignore union contracts. Barry Taranto stated that he applauds the CAC for suggesting that PCO’s enforce sidewalk parking. He thanked staff for rescheduling the Hilton hotel hearing. He stated that there was a conflict of interest for the person administering the paratransit debit card contract because he also receives payment by a cab company. Improved enforcement is needed in the evening. Andrew Sullivan, Rescue Muni, commended the MTA for working on critical long-term revenue sources for Muni and DPT. He stated that without new revenue sources, riders would be faced with onerous service cuts. Rescue Muni thinks that vehicle fees should fund transportation, including maintenance of the roads and would like to see a higher fee for vehicles that weigh more than the load limit and a lesser fee for alternative fuel vehicles. Bruce Steir, California Senior Legislature, stated that one of the many complaints he has heard has been the inability to park cars on Saturdays in neighborhood shopping areas. He stated that the yellow zones aren’t being utilized because trucks don’t normally deliver on Saturdays. Those zones should be changed to make them available to shoppers on Saturdays. He stated that he was personally appalled that DPT had been given permission to allow double-parking in front of churches during long services. Roger Bazeley stated that he supports Bus Rapid Transit on Geary and Van Ness, as it would clean up congestion and safety problems. The Transportation Authority has done a superb job at presenting bus rapid transit. The City has seen a serious deterioration of streets. David Pilpel stated that he understood that staff was going to get back to him with respect to his questions on One South Van Ness. He has reviewed the operator layoffs by division and wondered what the process was to change the number of operators that are contained in next year’s budget. He asked if a table existed that showed the existing positions of the manager classes that were being reclassified. Sue Vaughan stated that the Pedestrian Safety Advisory Committee had been advising DPT to ticket cars that park on sidewalks for the past two years. This is the law and the department shouldn’t wait for the Board of Supervisors to direct them to enforce it. The cost of free parking will be reduced ridership on public transit, reduced walking and biking and increased congestion on streets and sidewalks. She recommended that the Board do everything in their power to stop subsidizing personal cars. The platform previously presented by the Coalition for Transit Justice contained recommendations that would increase the cost to car drivers. When you’re planning for short and long term, include concept of peak oil. THE FOLLOWING MATTERS BEFORE THE MUNICIPAL TRANSPORTATION AGENCY BOARD WERE RECOMMENDED FOR ACTION AS STATED BY THE DIRECTOR OF TRANSPORTATION, AND CITY ATTORNEY WHERE APPLICABLE. EXPLANATORY DOCUMENTS FOR ALL CONSENT AND REGULAR CALENDAR ITEMS ARE AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW AT 401 VAN NESS AVE. #334. CONSENT CALENDAR 10. All matters listed hereunder constitute a Consent Calendar, are considered to be routine by the Municipal Transportation Agency Board, and will be acted upon by a single vote of the Board. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a member of the Board or the public so requests, in which event the matter shall be removed from the Consent Calendar and considered as a separate item. (10.1) Requesting the Controller to allot funds and to draw warrants against such funds available or will be available in payment of the following claims against the MTA: A. Stephen Fleming, Superior Ct. #422791 filed on 7/25/03 for $10,000 B. Li Xian Guo, Superior Ct. #427125 filed on 12/9/03 for $10,000 RESOLUTION 05-057 (10.2) Approving the following traffic modifications: A. RESCIND - TAXI ZONE - Castro Street, west side, from approximately 110 feet to 133 feet south of Market Street. B. ESTABLISH - TAXI ZONE - Castro Street, east side, from 72 to 112 feet south of 18th Street between 6 PM and 6 AM everyday. C. ESTABLISH - 2-HOUR PARKING, 9 AM 6 PM, EXCEPT SUNDAY - Bayshore Boulevard, west side, from 130 ft to 333 ft north of Costa Street. D. ESTABLISH - 1-HOUR PARKING, 7 AM - 6 PM, EXCEPT SUNDAY - 5th Street, west side, between Brannan and Bryant Streets. E. ESTABLISH - NO PARKING ANYTIME - Vidal Street, both sides, between the north and south intersections with Higuera Avenue. F. RESCIND - TOW-AWAY, NO STOPPING, 4 PM TO 6 PM, MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY - Valencia Street, west side, between 26th Street and Cesar Chavez Street. G. CLOSE - SIDEWALK GAP - California Street, south side, between 5th and 6th Avenues. H. ESTABLISH - MUNI BUS ZONE - Potrero Ave., east side, from 15th St. to 100 feet northerly. I. RESCIND - 1-HOUR PARKING, 7 AM - 6 PM, MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY - Capitol Ave., both sides, from Ocean Ave. to DeMontefort Ave. J. ESTABLISH - 2-HOUR PARKING, 7 AM TO 6 PM, MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY - Capitol Ave., east side, from Ocean Ave. to DeMontefort Ave. K. ESTABLISH - MUNI BUS ZONE - 16th St., north side, from Folsom St. to 80 feet westerly. L. ESTABLISH – NO PARKING ANYTIME - 16th St., north side, from Shotwell St. to 35 feet easterly. M. RESCIND – MUNI BUS ZONE – 16th St., north side, from Shotwell St. to 75 feet easterly. N. ESTABLISH - RED (NO PARKING ANYTIME) ZONES - Vesta Street, at Thornton Avenue, southwest corner; Thornton Avenue, at Scotia Avenue/Bridgeview Drive, southwest corner; Thornton Avenue at Scotia Avenue/Bridgeview Drive, northwest corner; Topeka Avenue at Apollo Street, southwest corner. O. RESCIND – ANGLE PARKING (45 DEGREES) - ESTABLISH - ANGLE PARKING (60 DEGREES) – Ulloa St., south side, from 33rd Ave. to 110 feet westerly. P. ESTABLISH - MUNI BUS ZONE - Spear Street, west side, from 43 to 144 feet south of Market Street - Main Street, east side, from 253 to 353 feet south of Market Street. Q. RESCIND - MUNI BUS ZONE - Main Street, east side, from 235 to 335 feet south of Market Street – Spear Street, west side, from Market Street to 130 feet southerly. R. RESCIND - TOW-AWAY, NO STOPPING ANYTIME - ESTABLISH - PARKING METER AREA NO.1 - Mission St., south side, between Beale St. and Main St. S. RESCIND - MUNI BUS ZONE - ESTABLISH - MUNI POLE STOP - Union Street, south side, from Divisadero Street to 75-feet westerly. (Explanatory documents include a staff report, and resolution.) (DPT) RESOLUTION 05-058 Item 10.2 A and B were severed at the request a member of the public. PUBLIC COMMENT: Barry Taranto stated people in the Castro could wait for ten to fifteen minutes for a cab on the weekends. He met with the former Director of Taxi Commission over 2 years ago on this matter. Neighborhood merchants finally agreed to two spots rather than the tree spots that we originally wanted. This item should be approved however he doesn’t think it will work because there are too many cabs that are needed in the area. The proposal to reduce service on the 24-line will mean more cabs will be needed. On motion to approve Item 10.2 A and B: ADOPTED: AYES – Black, Din, Kasolas, McCray, Mezey and Vaughns (10.3) Approving the plans and specifications and authorizing bid call for Contract No. MR-1209, West Portal Track work Replacement Project. (Explanatory documents include a staff report, resolution and financial plan.) (MUNI) PUBLIC COMMENT: RESOLUTION 05-059 On motion to approve Item 10.3: ADOPTED: AYES – Black, Din, Kasolas, McCray, Mezey and Vaughns (10.4) Authorizing the Director to reject the one non-responsive bid received for Contract No. MR-1057, Muni Metro System: Replacement of Emergency Batteries and Charger Systems at Van Ness and Embarcadero Stations, and either re-advertise for bid call or negotiate an agreement for the work with a responsible contractor pursuant to San Francisco Administrative Code Section 6.23(C). (Explanatory documents include a staff report, and resolution.) (MUNI) PUBLIC COMMENT: David Pilpel asked if the city could contract directly with the subcontractor. Chairman Vaughns referred to the staff report stating that staff conducted a survey to determine why there was only one bidder however the report says that none of the plan holders returned the phone calls. She suggested that making a determination about how best to proceed because a phone call wasn’t returned was insufficient and that there are other means of communication that should prevail. On motion to approve Item 10.4: ADOPTED: AYES – Black, Din, Kasolas, McCray, Mezey and Vaughns RESOLUTION 05-060 (10.5) Urging the Board of Supervisors to approve the Controller’s determination that janitorial services at the City’s twenty one metered parking lots and five Department of Parking and Traffic shop facilities can be practically performed under private contract at a lesser cost than the work could be performed by employees of the City and County for fiscal year 2005-2006. (Explanatory documents include a staff report, resolution and determination.) (DPT) RESOLUTION 05-061 (10.6) Authorizing the Director to execute Cooperative Agreement No. 4-2016 with the State of California to allow Caltrans to design, advertise, administer and manage construction of a new traffic signal at the intersection of Skyline Boulevard, Lake Merced Boulevard and Herbst Road, at a total cost to the City not to exceed $134,200. (Explanatory documents include a staff report, resolution, agreement and financial plan.) (DPT) RESOLUTION 05-062 On motion to approve the Consent Calendar (Items 10.2 A and B, 10.3 and 10.4 severed): ADOPTED: AYES – Black, Din, Kasolas, McCray, Mezey and Vaughns REGULAR CALENDAR MUNICIPAL TRANSPORTATION AGENCY 11. Presentation of proposals to adjust service in accordance with the FY06 budget. (Explanatory documents include a memo.) Executive Director Burns stated that that staff had addressed the $57 million budget deficit with a “shared approach”. These proposals represent $13 million in service adjustments and efficiencies. A majority of the changes ($7 million) were proposed as part of the FY05 budget but were not implemented. No action would be taken by the Board tonight and over the next several weeks; these proposals will be presented at public hearings. Information about the public meetings will be posted on the website, in brochures and on board Muni vehicles and will be translated into English, Spanish and Chinese. Peter Straus, Manager, Service Planning presented the proposed service adjustments. He stated that staff was embarking on a public outreach campaign, beginning with a presentation to the Citizen’s Advisory Council. The earliest time that these changes would go into effect will be August 27th due to the work required to conduct a “General Sign-Up”, which is the procedure that allows operators to change modes, routes and divisions. Staff is examining changes to schedules, the frequency between buses; and to line restructuring, changes to routes. Staff was also looking at labor efficiencies. Director Mezey stated that he found the change to a 50-minute headway on the Owl lines disturbing but necessary in these tough times. He requested further analysis of savings that would be achieved by this change. Director Din stated that it may be necessary in the beginning to provide the revised route and schedule information at bus stops so the public would know what to expect. PUBLIC COMMENT: Norman Rolfe stated these service adjustments were predicated on a budget that includes increases to parking and traffic rates. The MTA’s budget will have to get at least six members of the Board of Supervisors to support it however, members have already stated that they are in opposition. If they don’t approve the proposed parking and traffic cuts, there will have to be even more cuts in service. The MTA needs to prepare a “doomsday scenario” to address what will happen if those cuts aren’t approved. Herbert Weiner stated that it’s time to get “Muni-wise”. We talk about public outreach but not public outrage. These cuts will be a disaster and service will probably get worse and worse. He stated that he see layoffs in workers but not in the top-levels of management. This plan is a collision course that will lead to eventual privatization. Andrew Sullivan, Rescue Muni, stated that Rescue Muni had in-depth recommendations, which they will put in writing. He suggested extending the evening rush to a later time on the buses as well on light rail vehicles because people are working later. He encouraged the MTA to take all possible actions to improve service efficiencies and to expand diamond lanes and stop consolidations throughout the system. He suggested adding a bus lane from Market to Gough for the 21-Hayes and converting “locals to limited” during peak periods to make the system run faster. He stated that maps needed to be kept updated and that it was critical to post a schedule at every stop, particularly for owl and community service. He urged the MTA to publish the “doomsday scenario” if the Board of Supervisors doesn’t pass the legislation to increase parking fees and fines. David Pilpel referenced written comments previously provided and expressed hope that the information was reviewed. Mid-day cuts are a bad policy idea because it won’t save money, particularly if part timer employees are eliminated. Cutting service at night will save money but will have serious rider impacts and will drive away discretionary riders. Some of the cuts to peak service aren’t aggressive enough. Some service is provided beyond what the demand is. More information is needed to know what the real impact is, what the cumulative impact is, and what the impact of route consolidation will be. Last year’s service improvements are missing from this proposal. David Tornheim, Central City Progressives, stated that now is the time to be increasing service not decreasing it. He referred to a recent article in the newspaper that said that BART was seeing an increase in ridership because of an increased cost of gas. The Coalition for Transit Justice said we needed to bring the money from cars and downtown. Mr. Tornheim stated that he is lobbying for the budget to be rejected and is disturbed to hear Mr. Burns say that the adjustments are within his power. The Board should exercise their power and be the voice of the community. All of the service cuts are disturbing. Bruce Oka stated that there were an increasing number of wheelchair users who were riding Muni and service was the best it has ever been. These adjustments will mean more crowding and a longer wait time between buses, which would make it almost impossible for him to get on a bus. It needs to be emphasized to the Board of Supervisors that these adjustments are necessary but if we don’t get the companion rate hikes at garages, parking and the like, we will have “doomsday” at Muni and everything will collapse. This will also impact seniors who will have to wait longer for buses as well as increasing the number of people who apply for paratransit service. Sue Vaughan, Green Party reminded the Board of testimony she provided earlier in the year. She stated that oil production was on the decline. It is more expensive and harder to get it out of ground. We’re on cusp of the end of the American, car-based way of life. This is not the time to reduce service. She is working to convince the Mayor and Board of Supervisors to reject the budget. 12. Amending the MTA Board Rules of Order to change the start time of the Regular Meeting to 2:00 p.m. and require fees and fines to be subject to the same notice requirement as rates, charges and fares. (Explanatory documents include a staff report, resolution and Rules of Order.) PUBLIC COMMENT: David Pilpel stated that adding fees and fines to the notice requirements made sense. He suggested that service changes such as those talked about in the previous item or any other significant changes to service pursuant to 16.112 be noticed in the same manner. He stated that he respectfully opposed the change in meeting time. The result will be in less “real public” and will get fewer people who work. By starting earlier, meetings would last longer. David Tornheim stated that he agreed with Mr. Pilpel regarding the time change. Four o’clock in the afternoon is a much more appealing time for people who work during the day. The Board of Directors needs to hear from people who work during the day. He is also curious to know when notices will be put on buses about the proposals to adjust service. Chairman Vaughns stated that the change in meeting time was in response to feedback that she had received. She commented that seniors had stated that due to the lateness of the meeting time, it was difficult to get rides. In addition, consideration should also be given to staff that work long hours. She stated that meetings may get longer if Taxi Commission responsibilities were added. Any change will not be acceptable to everyone. If the public wishes to comment, they will attend the meeting or will make their comments known by other means. She suggested that this change in meeting time be tested on a trial basis and that the matter be revisited at the end of the year. Director McCray stated that the public attends meetings of the Board of Supervisors and could easily attend MTA meetings. Director Kasolas stated that he had concerns about public access and was supportive of revisiting the matter in December. RESOLUTION 05-063 On motion to approve: ADOPTED: AYES – Black, Din, Kasolas, McCray, Mezey and Vaughns
RECESS REGULAR MEETING AND CONVENE CLOSED SESSION CLOSED SESSION 1. Call to Order Chairman Vaughns called the closed session to order at 7:08 p.m. 2. Roll Call Present:
Also present:
3. Discussion and vote pursuant to Administrative Code Section 67.11(a) as to whether to conduct a closed session and invoke the attorney-client privilege. On motion to invoke the attorney-client privilege: unanimously approved. 4. Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 and the Administrative Code Section 67.8 (a) (3), the Municipal Transportation Agency Board will meet in Closed Session to discuss and take action on attorney-client matters in the following case: CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL Existing Litigation:
RESOLUTION 05-064 On motion to approve: ADOPTED: AYES – Black, Din, Kasolas, Mezey and Vaughns ABSENT - McCray
RESOLUTION 05-065 On motion to approve: ADOPTED: AYES – Black, Din, Kasolas, McCray, Mezey and Vaughns 5. Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6(a) and Administrative Code Section 67.8, the Municipal Transportation Agency Board shall meet in closed session for: CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR CCSF Representative: Larry Williams and/or his designees
Employee Organizations:
TWU Local 200 and Automotive Mechanics Local 1414
To discuss: _X_ Wages _X__ Hours _X__ Benefits _X__ Working Conditions _X__ Other ADJOURN CLOSED SESSION AND RECONVENE REGULAR MEETING - The closed session was adjourned at 8:07 p.m. 13. Announcement of Closed Session. Chairman Vaughns announced that the Board met in closed session to discuss Linares and Khaimskaya cases with the City Attorney. The Board voted unanimously to settle the cases. 14. Motion to disclose or not disclose the information discussed in closed session. On motion to not disclose the information discussed: unanimously approved (McCray-absent). ADJOURN - The meeting was adjourned at 8:08 p.m. A tape of the meeting is on file in the office of the Secretary to the Municipal Transportation Agency Board of Directors. Roberta Boomer The Ethics Commission of the City and County of San Francisco has asked us to remind individuals and entities that influence or attempt to influence local legislative or administrative action may be required by the San Francisco Lobbyist Ordinance [S.F. Campaign and Governmental Conduct Code section 2.100 et seq.] to register and report lobbying activity. For more information about the Lobbyist Ordinance, please contact the Ethics Commission at 415-581-2300; fax: 415-581-2317; 30 Van Ness Ave., Suite 3900, SF, CA 94102-6027 or the web site: sfgov.org/ethics. |
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